The Chronicle For West Hoathly, Sharpthorne & Highbrook. February/March 2020 . £7 for six issues or £1.50 each.
Welcome to Springtime 2020
From the Editorial Team . . .
We hope you all had a nice time with family or friends over Christmas or maybe a restful time on your own. We said a fond farewell to Anne as Editor at the end of last year and welcomed Pat Dunn to our team. We do welcome articles for our magazine, coincidences, funny stories; comments on village life or some artwork for our front cover. Please send your articles to all three editors. Please take notice of the next deadline March 16th, we must have the articles by then or they may not be included. Make a note in your diary of the History exhibition in the village hall 22/23rd Feb ruary
If the New Year makes you feel like doing some volunteering, we always need drivers to take people who can no longer drive, to doctor and dentist appointments. Contact one of the editors if you could help.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful 2020.
From Kathy, Marion and Pat
THE CHRONICLE
is published six times a year by St. Margaret's Church, West Hoathly for the benefit of the communities of West Hoathly, Sharpthorne and Highbrook. The publication is edited and distributed entirely within the parish by a dedicated team of volunteers. We welcome reports of regular and one-off events and meetings, notices of forthcoming activities, reminiscences, poems, line drawings, short stories, individual viewpoints, letters, information and news of other matters. Items for inclusion should be sent by e-mail to all three editors; typed or short handwritten items can also be delivered to any of the editors. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT ANY ARTICLES SUBMITTED.
THE EDITORIAL TEAM: Kathy Brown, Ashurst, Bulldogs Bank, Sharpthorne, RH19 4PH Tel: 01342 811866 e-mail: [email protected] Marion Jones, 6 Glenham Place, Top Road, Sharpthorne, RH19 4HU Tel: 01342 810143 e-mail: [email protected] Patricia Dunn, 5 Highcroft Road, Sharpthorne, RH19 4NX Tel: 01342 810406 email: [email protected]
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION ADVERTISING & SMALL ADS Rosemary Watson at 01342 810800 heads the team of Sue Billings at 01342 810049 handles boxed business distributors, and she can arrange for the Chronicle to be advertisements, which can be included for £30 annually, delivered to your home, or posted to you. Some copies are and also the Small Ads, on back page, which cost £1 per also put out in the local churches and shops for issue for two lines of copy. purchase at £1.50 a copy. Annual subscription - now £7 Inclusion of an advertisement does not imply any form of due annually in June approval of the quality of the services offered.
The Cover Next Issue This month’s cover picture of the Chronicle is by Pat The next issue of the Chronicle will cover the months Dunn, one of our editors Please keep those creative of April and May 2020. Latest date for the ideas and artwork coming! submission of articles is Monday 16th March. Please send cover designs to Kathy Brown, new Printed copies will be available on Friday 27th contributors always welcome. March 2020.
‘Jesus ate nothing at all during those days,
and when they were over, he was famished.’ (Luke 4.2) ‘ At the beginning of each new year, plenty of Different faiths will have different purposes in their people take time to re-evaluate their lives. This fasts, but for Christians there are benefits which may mean making resolutions, going to the gym, many other people may feel drawn towards. giving up smoking or starting a diet. These activities can be helpful in re-shaping our lives in the way we want to live. However, new resolutions and diets can be difficult to stick with. According to one report by the U.S. News & World Report, it is thought that up to 80% of new year resolutions are dropped within 3 months. We start with such good intentions, but struggle to Fasting confronts us with the contrast between maintain our focus. ourselves and those who lack the basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter, and reminds us to The Church too has a specific moment when it share with those in need. So fasting goes hand in encourages its followers to re-evaluate their lives, hand with almsgiving and works of charity. and think about giving things up. It is Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and covers the period Fasting also helps us to draw closer to God as we of approximately six weeks up to Easter Sunday. experience in a small way the temptation Christ faced in the Wilderness. When we share a journey
with others, it can make it easier to stay on track.
In a very real way, giving up something you really enjoy is a way of rehearsing our capacity to handle death. In letting go of something we realise that we can live without it, no matter how hard it is.
The Latin name for the period, Quadragesima, Fasting traditionally is focused on food, however, if means ‘fortieth’, and traditionally it relates to the you are new to this practice and have a chronic forty days which, according to the Gospels, Jesus condition, please consult your doctor to carefully spent fasting in the desert, where he endured plan and prepare for fasting to avoid any problems. temptation by the Devil. It is also a remembrance There are, however, plenty of other things in our of the 40 years that the Israelites spent in the lives which we may each realise that we could do wilderness. (Technically, there are 46 days from with trying to live without - whether that is Ash Wednesday to Easter Saturday, but the 6 television, our mobile phones, smoking, or perhaps Sundays are excluded as there is no obligation to something else which has popped into your head as fast on Sundays.) you read this. 40 days is a good place to start.
In those 40 days, Christians are encouraged to give With every blessing up indulgences, a Lenten fast. Other religions also encourage fasting, such as Islam during Ramadan, and Judaism on Yom Kippur.
Mother Nicol
HIGHLIGHTS OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT ST. MARGARET’S, WEST HOATHLY & ALL SAINTS’, HIGHBROOK
LENT ACTIVITIES: Tuesday 25th February: 5.30 to Pancake Party at Sharpthorne Hall 7.00 pm including games. Offers of help and savoury dishes would be much appreciated. Contact Derek Shurvell 01342 810780 or email [email protected] Wednesday 26th February: 9.30 am Holy Communion with Ashing at St Margaret’s 7.00 pm Ash Wednesday Choral Evensong at All Saints, Highbrook.
LENT COURSES: A course of 5 meetings based on the book and film of Les Miserables looking at the key characters. 10.30 am Saturday morning at Sharpthorne Hall From Our records: 29th Feb, 7th, 14th , 21st & 28th March
Funerals: The funeral of Margaret Eva Coxall of LENT LUNCHES: Sharpthorne, took place at St Richard’s Chapel at A simple meal of soup and bread for a donation to the Surrey & Sussex Crematorium on Friday 29th the Lent charities of the Family Support Work and Chestnut Tree Hospice, held as follows: November at 12:45 pm. The officiant was Mother Saturday 14th March: Nicol. 12.30 pm Highbrook Village Hall Saturday 28th March: The funeral of Janet Styles took place at St 12.30 pm at Luctons, West Hoathly Richard’s Chapel at the Surrey & Sussex Crematorium on Tuesday 17th December at MOTHERING SUNDAY: 12.45pm. The officiant was Mother Nicol. Saturday 21st March; 2.00 pm Posy Making at St Margaret’s Church. Do The funeral of Pamela Willie took place at St come along and make posies for the Richard’s Chapel at the Surrey & Sussex Mothering Sunday Service. All materials Crematorium of Wednesday 18th December at provided. 1.30 pm. The officiant was Mother Nicol. Sunday 22nd March: 10 am Mothering Sunday service at St. The Committal of Donald Walter Jones took place Margaret’s with blessing and distribution at St Richard’s Chapel at the Surrey & Sussex of posies for everyone. Crematorium on Thursday 9th January at 12 noon. This was followed by a memorial service at St. Margaret’s at 1 pm. The officiant was Mother Nicol. UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY: Saturday 18th July: Baptisms: 12 pm Our biennial Fair held in the Church, to 5 pm Churchyard, Street and Village Hall The baptism of Isabelle Rose Wicks Houliston, Contact: Derek Shurvell 01342 810780, Lucie Anne Wicks Houliston and Ivy Blossom Wicks Houliston took place at St Margaret’s on [email protected] to book your stall (£25) Sunday 24th November at 1 pm. The service was or for more information. taken by Mother Nicol.
To hear more details of events and special services, please follow us on social media: Facebook - @stmargaretswesthoathly Twitter - @StMargarets_WH
“Representing Highbrook, Selsfield, Sharpthorne, Tyes Cross and West Hoathly
Council Budget and Precept We will set our budget and precept for 2020/2021 on 27th January. At the time of writing, it appears that the precept for next year will be £72,953 which represents an increase of 9.72% on last year and equates to an in- crease of 13 pence per week on Band D Council Tax. The Council has been able to keep its general expendi- ture in line with inflation. However, the Council needs to make provision for new and existing projects, including the replacement of the Pavilion on North Lane Rec, the provision of a “village/hamlets gateway” for Highbrook, the possible adoption of the West Hoathly Local History Archive and to prepare for unavoidable expenditure in future years in connection with the review of the Neighbourhood Plan . The Council has also made provision for the recruitment and ap- pointment of an Assistant Clerk.
Appointment of an Assistant Clerk Over the next few weeks the Council will be seeking to recruit an Assistant Clerk for 9 hours a week (probably 3 mornings a week) in support of the Parish Clerk with a view to taking on the role of Parish Clerk and Proper Of- ficer (16 hours a week) by the end of 2020. Formal advertisements will appear on HoathlyHub and the Coun- cil’s Facebook Page in due course. However, if you think you might be interested, please contact the Parish Clerk for further information.
Annual Assembly The next Annual Assembly will take place on Monday 2nd March 2020 at 7.30p.m. Inspector Pete Dommett, Mid Sussex Divisional Inspector will attend to address the meeting to talk about future plans for community po- licing. The Parish Council also intends to have discussions about Climate Change and what we as a Parish Council and you as local residents can do to minimise our impact on the environment; what steps could be tak- en to increase the use of the Metrobus 84; and the future of the public toilets in North Lane. We hope as many residents as possible will attend so please note the date in your diary and please let us know of any matters you would like to be discussed. As usual refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting.
Historic West Hoathly Our beautiful village of West Hoathly has many historic buildings worth exploring. Over the past months, the Parish Council has been working with local resident Tim Baker to develop the West Hoathly Heritage trail. This short circular walk is designed to take in many of the historic places in the village. Information boards have been placed in the Bus Shelter, the old fire station and at Finches Field. Leaflets and route map are available in the bus shelter and other places locally. Please do try out the Heritage Trail and let us know what you think.
We would like to thank the following for their help and contributions to our Heritage Trail West Hoathly Bonfire Society for their kind sponsorship of this leaflet West Hoathly Local History Archives Roger Bourne (Map) Royal Observer Corp Heritage Collection, Newhaven West Hoathly Parish Council Gatwick Airport Community Trust
Winter Management Plan The Winter Management Plan is now in force (the Plan can be found on the Council’s website). We believe that WSCC will be gritting the same roads as in previous years. The Council’s grit bins are full. In case of ice or snow, please use the grit sparingly since using too much reduces its effectiveness. Please remember that the grit is intended for roads and pavements and not for private drives!
What’s On Around the Parish
Music Parish walks
Sharpthorne Organic Café Walks start at 10.00 am from Finche Field on the last Sunday in the month. Usually fin- Live music on Saturdays 12.00-14.00 ishing around 12.30 pm. Walk leaders are:
Jan 26 Ken Alfree
Emmaus Club Programme Feb 23 Tony Johns for Early 2020 Mar 27 Jeff Ashton Meeting at West Hoathly Village Hall unless otherwise stated 7pm - 8.30 pm Dogs welcome on a lead
For more details please contact Derek & Lind- say Shurvell on 01342 810780 or Churchyard Working Parties [email protected] at St. Margaret’s Church, West Hoathly
January st We meet on the last Friday of each month from 31 Man Hunt Meet at Hindleap car park 10am - noon—Friday 31st January, 7th Feb- ruary and so on through 2020. February 7th Fashion Night th We are an enthusiastic bunch, carrying out a 28 Pancakes & Games whole list of extra jobs to keep the Churchyard looking neat & tidy. Do come along and join us. March th Contact Derek Shurvell on 6 Dodge ball [email protected] for further details. 13th Nightwalk meet at W.H. Village Hall. th 20 Quiz 'What happens next' ? 27th Egg decorating & Rolling at St. Margaret’s Church. Posy making
Saturday 21st March 2.00 pm at St. Margaret’s Church, West Hoathly Pancake Party Do come along and make posies for the Moth- Tuesday 25th February 5.30 - ering Sunday Service and to take home for 7.00 pm at The Sharpthorne Hall, Station family and neighbours. Road. All materials provided
This is for everyone. There will be pancake West Hoathly History Local Archive themed crafts, games and pancake supper. Exhibition Free admission with a retiring collection for a lenten Charity. Any offers of help and savoury dishes would be Saturday & Sunday 22-23 February much appreciated. 10-5 in West Hoathly Village Hall Please contact Derek Shurvell on [email protected] Refreshments will be available
For more details contact John Ralph on 01342 810458 or Email: [email protected] or West Hoathly Local History Group see page 22 for poster
19 Feb I do like to be beside the seaside Ian Gledhill Quiz Night At West Hoathly Bowls Club, Hook Lane
18 Mar Shopping through the ages Friday 7th February 7.30 for 8pm start Gill Halcrow
Teams of 6 at £5 pp includes refreshments plus All meetings are in Sharpthorne Church a competitively priced bar Hall, Station Rd and start at 7.45 pm.
Entrance £3.00 per meeting including coffee, For more details and to book your team/space: or £15.00 for the year. Marion Jones 01342 810143 or
Email: [email protected]
What’s On Locally Outside of the Parish
The Arts Society-Turners Hill. Forest Row Film Society
25 Feb The art of light Alexandra Epps 7 Feb Woman at War
24 Mar Basingstoke Rupert Willoughby 14 Feb Wings of desire
Lectures at The Ark, Turners Hill. 11am 28 Feb Stories we tell
Visitors £5. See website for more details: 6 Mar Rafiki www.theartssociety.org/turnershill 14 Mar The beaches of Agnes Or contact Carole Screve-Hall on: 01424 539466 20 Mar A Private War.
Films in Freshfield Hall, Forest Row. Doors open 19.30 for 20.00 start. Bluebell Railway For more information see http://www.forestrowfilmsociety.org For information on Pullman dining, Fish & Chip trains, Rail Ale, Cream Teas and other events see Mansion market- Forest Row http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/ Michael Hall School, Forest Row 11am-4pm
Over 70 stalls selling crafts, books, toys, Forest Row Bike Club plants, organic foods. Children's entertainments. Now set off from East Grinstead Taster sessions of healing skills. Cafe open for meals and drinks For more information please visit: The second Saturday in the month dur- http://www.frbc.info ing term time (check board near school)
Other News
My name is Lily and I am an ‘A’ level student at Imberhorne School. I have been chosen to take part in a trip to Tanzania as part of an exchange programme with Imberhorne School.
I go to Tanzania in October 2020 and need to raise £2500. The money I raise will help chil- dren at Minaki School and the Kisarawe Orphanage in Tanzania. All funds raised, will help pay for me to go to Tanzania and will supply the children with new resources and gifts. I would be very grateful for any donations. Thank you in advance for your support.
In order to raise funds for the trip I will be selling quiz books for £2 (for a chance to win a £25 Waterstones voucher) up until February 29th. I will also be selling handmade cards and run- ning various other events across the year.
If anyone is interested in purchasing a book of quizzes or would like any more information, please contact me at: [email protected] or call 01342 811400.
I also have a GoFundMe page: http:gf.me/u/xa6s28 (Tanzania Exchange Trip 2020– organised by Lily Shannon)
Thank you, Lily
Seniors Christmas Lunch
I was here for the first time this year and it was a lovely occasion. Some singing at the begin- ning with a drink followed by a really delicious lunch served by children from the school. We have our two pubs to thank for the food and drink, so generous of them all. Afterwards we had a raffle and some lovely singing from the school children. Many thanks to all the helpers, do- nors of raffle prizes, school children, and our two pubs. A lovely way to start the Christmas season.
Random Acts Theatre Company
On 8th December in the Village Hall we had a very interesting evening by four members of this company. We were invited to relate stories from our lives which were brought to life by the players in a very amusing and clever way with Richard on the keyboard playing music appro- priate for the story. As the audience, I think we were a little nervous at first to relate our sto- ries but once we got underway it became easier. Stories on Quakerism, bed bugs, holiday mis- adventures and fleeing from an ostrich were acted out, there seemed to be nothing that they couldn’t tackle. If you missed out this time, look out for them when they return to the village.
Notes on St Margaret’s church
Kay Coutin has produced some additional notes on our church which can be found for everyone to read in the church bookcase.
Kathy Brown
Highbrook Christmas Market and Tree Festival
The Highbrook Christmas Market and Tree Festival was well attended, despite many other Christmas activities going on at the same time. The Church , as usual, had a wonderful display of creatively decorated Christmas Trees with talented local musicians playing throughout the day.
The cafe in the village hall did a roaring trade in home made soups, sausage rolls and cakes. Pickeridge Farm were present this year introducing their free range organic pork meat, sausag- es and honey. The Highbrook produce stall sold out quickly and there was a general buzz of happy chatter, making it an enjoyable event for visitors and helpers alike.
Many thanks Maureen Muddel
Family Support Work
The gifts of presents, tokens and festive food from St. Margaret’s Church and West Hoathly W I in December were amazingly generous and very much appreciated by the families. At a party at Ardingly, many families from the deanery received food “hampers”, to which a turkey would be added later by a farmer in the Diocese who donates 100 to FSW every year. Each family al- so received gifts for the children and gifts which the children wrapped to give to their parents.
Continuing support is given by the practitioner to individual families in our area; also a drop in café, homework, Lego therapy, and young carers’ clubs.
Volunteers are always needed for help with these Haywards Heath- based activities. If you are interested contact [email protected] or 0127382903 ext.304
Spring Supper This annual fund raiser will take place at Wivelsfield Village hall on Friday 13th March. Tickets available from mid-February.
Charity shop donations are always gratefully received, as are children’s clothes. I’m happy to collect them [email protected]
Thank you for your continuing support. Ingrid
WEST HOATHLY SCHOOL
Using ideas from the children in a competition to design a new logo for our vision statement we have created this logo:
You can see that the children and adults are all holding hands to show strength and courage and the shape at the end of the fingers is a heart, showing that we do everything in love.
We had an extremely busy, though fulfilling, advent season in school, with the usual nativity, carol service at church, songs around the Christmas tree, school Christmas lunch and Christ- mas fair – the hard working School Association raised an amazing £1600 for experiences and resources for our children. Thank you to all those who came and supported or provided raffle prizes.
We chose to support Knight Support homeless charity in the lead up to Christmas, either by filling a sock or by adding money into one of our collections. One of our staff members regularly volunteers to help the homeless in Brighton and has been overwhelmed by the total of £174.72 collected at our Christmas events and by the filled socks. She says thank you on behalf of both the charity and the homeless of Brighton.
We welcomed a new parent governor to our school governing body. The governors recently sent a parent questionnaire home with the children and asked staff and pupils to complete surveys in school. They are currently analysing results and will summarize the results with parents at the next Parents’ Forum later this month with the aim to further understand what the school is good at and consider suggestions to improve the school for our children.
A big congratulations to children and staff on the published performance tables that were re- leased in December. These tables measure the progress made by children between KS1 and KS2. Out of 282 primary schools in West Sussex, West Hoathly came 9th in reading, 24th in writing, 2nd in Maths and 9th in the county of children who reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths. These are amazing results so well done to all involved.
We have a small but valued group of volunteer helpers in school, made up of parents, gov- ernors and local residents. These volunteers help with a myriad of jobs such as reading, art work, lunchtime clubs, library sorting and playing board games. We would really love to have some more volunteers in school. If you feel that you could offer some time – even just half an hour would be helpful - please do pop in to speak to the office staff.
Rachel Townshend Headteacher
Sharpthorne WI itable that the viability of the whole service will decline. My estimate is that the net annu- We started the New Year with al saving by cutting this single journey is less a jolly wet and windy evening. than £6000.
Our speaker was Sue Flight, the Gravetye Ho- The response to our 14 point plan was that tel Florist! She used to live in Sharpthorne there was no appetite to change the existing and had visited us to speak a few years ago. route and, "In general WSCC would be guided Many knew it would be a good evening so, by Metrobus if they wanted to make changes despite the grotty wind and rain, many of us to the 84, as they have the latest information came along to see her demonstration! regarding revenue, patronage and timekeep- ing" [time tabling]. Metrobus comment was The evening was a flight of fantastic floristry, [We are] happy for the Parish Council to con- fancy pots and florist wire and tape. The de- sult the community further to get ideas about lightful arrangements kept us all amazed with the development of the service. simple but artistic ideas we were keen to try out at home! What a treat for the first meet- For Metrobus to look at any changes they ing of the year. would need to be confident that a change would mean an increase in usage". Our WI was also busy tonight discussing the possible Resolutions for this year and votes It seems pretty obvious to me that within the were cast. We also have plans to visit Lull- constraints a single bus serving the route, the ingstone Castle in May and hope to arrange best that can be done to increase usage an informal meeting in August! This was all in would be achieved by sitting down with the addition to our full and varied annual pro- timetabling experts at Metrobus to look at the gramme of meetings. feasibility of a few timing changes.
You are most welcome to come along and join For example, to provide connectivity at Turn- us! ers Hill with service 272 to and from Hay- wards Heath; to provide an alternative choice Caroline Rogers for passengers travelling between East Grin- stead and Crawley, where journey times on the 84 are the same as the 281 and 291, c. 47minutes alike; to avoid running immediate- ly behind the No. 4 into Crawley from Pound Hill; and to delay the departure of the last bus (17:10) from East Grinstead slightly, noting 84 Bus Service that the 270 from Brighton and Haywards Heath arrives at East Grinstead War Memorial Due to low usage and a reduction in funding 17:12! for rural bus services from West Sussex Coun- ty Council (WSCC) the 18:10 departure from One positive outcome from the discussions Crawley was withdrawn on 27th April. WH was the confirmation of "Hail and Ride" ser- Parish Council had only a little prior notifica- vice between Dunnings Mill and Turners tion before the traffic commissioner statutory Hill which should enable people not living 90 day notice period. close to a bus stop such as Tyes Cross to make use the bus. Three meetings were held with Metrobus who kindly listened and responded to our com- The other way we can all help is to use the 84 ments and suggestions. The last meeting was bus service whenever feasibly possible. also attended by WSCC bus officer and Coun- ty Cllr Andrew Lea. We reminded the opera- The first tip for a greener 2020 from Friends tors that the 84 route has remained un- of the Earth is "Fly less, use public transport changed since the route changed to Crawley instead of driving and walk or cycle wherever via Rowfant and East Grinstead War Memorial you can"; something I have been promoting via Herontye Drive in 2012. Significantly the for 17 years. 272 (formerly 82) has been re-timed and im- proved now also serving Burgess Hill, Bright- on and the Royal Sussex Hospital. Cllr Paul Brown
The last 84 bus departing Crawley 18:10 for- (see page 20 for route map) merly provided the ability to return to West Hoathly in the afternoon having visited friends, family or business in West Sussex or in London. By withdrawing this bus it is inev-
GOOD CAUSES
Used postage stamps can be dropped in to ‘Age UK’ , Station Road, East Grinstead for raising funds for the RNIB.
If you would like to get your own envelop which is sent to you free of charge then visit:
https://www.rnib.org.uk/donations-and-fundraising/fundraising-your-community/ stamps-appeal
WEST HOATHLY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
The West Hoathly Royal British Legion raised a total of £7,228.99 towards their Poppy Ap- peal in November. This figure includes the collection at St Margaret’s on Remembrance Sun- day and the street collection carried out by our volunteer collectors. The West Hoathly British Legion would like to thank all those who contributed, either at the service or otherwise (or perhaps both) and a big thank you once again to our loyal band of collectors who turn out every year come rain or shine to knock on the doors in the villages and surrounds. We are very grateful to them for giving up their time to do this valuable work.
Remember, buying a poppy does not promote, condone or encourage conflict, by wearing a poppy you are honouring those who gave their lives for their country, of whatever colour, creed or persuasion and, effectively, putting a flower on the graves of the departed. Many from our villages died in past conflicts, their descendants still live in the area and appreciate that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. The money raised goes towards helping those who have been injured or traumatised by war, helping to make their lives more comfortable in their old age. They have served their country and mankind and we, in return, are serving them.
West Hoathly Royal British Legion
Sharpthorne Carol Party
I can’t believe a whole year has gone by and I ‘m writing again to say a huge thank you to the Sharpthorne Carol Party for their joyful singing and unfailing dedication over the festive period ! It is something we all very much enjoy but it does take a certain of stamina to keep up with the schedule!
This year we were blessed with team of four Conductors who shared the role Claire , Simon, Olywn and Jennifer and they did an excellent job of keeping us in order and making us sing, not an easy task! So well done to them for their patience and magic charms with us it worked!! It was especially nice too having Michele to sing to with us having stepped down from her conducting role after many years and what a splendid job she has done!! We were able to mark the occasion for Michele by presenting her with a framed photograph of us all at Gravetye, she will just never be able to be without us!!!
Thank you to Jo as well, for all her timeless efforts in continuing to sort out our music, it does so help if we are all singing from the same sheet !! Finally, not forgetting dear Julia who with- out her amazing skills of organising our venues none of it would even be possible so very well done once again to her. It is an absolute pleasure to be part of this group of such enthusiast’s and indeed a privilege, may we go from strength to strength with this village tradition...... and just to add, some of our carol party,having moved, come back from the other side Cam- berley and Somerset just to sing with us — that’s true dedication for you!
The Sharpthorne Carol Party would like to express their gratitude to everyone that invited us into their homes this Christmas to sing carols, and to everyone who made a donation. Due to your generosity the amount raised was £5,100.00. The proceeds will be divided between St Catherine’s Hospice, Sullivan’s Heroes, which supports disabled children, and Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice.
Bev Mager & Julia Walker
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Computer Info behave strangely leading to crashes or cor- rupt data. You can stop this trouble by us- Like looking both ways ing an uninterruptible power supply - essen- before crossing roads, tially a large battery with some clever cir- this month’s advice is cuitry. This will also prevent data corruption nothing new. It is just from the increasingly common power cuts. the digital do’s and don’ts which hopefully Update your software to get the latest you already know. Yet security fixes. If that sounds like too much judging by what cross- work, get an all-in-one updating software es my path each day, app to handle it for you – did I say that they it seems worth repeti- are free? tion. So, here’s your digital nag list in one place for easy reference. Passwords Keep your email password safe, reasonably complicated… and different to Backup or regret, it’s your choice. Mak- run-of-the-mill passwords. Why? Most oth- ing a backup is the work of a few moments er passwords can be reset with access to for any device. If your data or configuration your email account. This means your email matter to you, make a backup. Life is busy. is the hub around which your digital life re- Set the backup to automatic to make sure volves, almost as important as your banking that it happens reliably after you have for- details. gotten all about it. Feeling enthusiastic? A password safe is a convenient way to se- Why not test that backup once in a while. cure your passwords: one password unlocks the store which remembers them for you. Security software Windows, Android and Or simply remember all your passwords us- Macs each come with some security built-in, ing the sandwich method: Brown-filling- but they can benefit from the security apps white. Keep the same bread and simply that you can buy – or even get for free. You change the filling to something memorable can also get modest additional security for for its site. E.g. WoolyAmazon23Gertie iphone / ipad. For you go-getters, why not supplement your main security package with And do watch out as you cross the road! a manual malware scanner: an occasional manual scan helps to check whether some- Roger Lyon thing nasty has snuck in under the radar.
Web pages can carry alarmist messages about your machine. Never respond to these. If in doubt, call someone you trust to Year 2020 check your computer. We have been used to just writing the dates Phone scams Unless you have specifically on documents by using the last 2 digits of requested their help, do not let anyone re- the year so last year we simply used '19 on motely control your machine. our dates but in the new decade with the dates now ending in '20, it opens up the Adverts or unwanted alerts randomly pop- possibility of fraud should someone decide ping up on your screen are usually caused to change the date. by rampant website notifications. Turn off website notifications to avoid this embar- Signing and dating documents as 1/2/20 rassing and annoying problem – there really could be fraudulently changed to another is no conversation stopper like naked ladies date such as 2017 or 2018, for example. popping up when a relative comes for tea. Signing documents and dating them with If in doubt, run a malware scan as well. the full year, 2020, will keep the documents you have signed from getting changed. This Email Have a different address for your cas- is particularly important for all legal docu- ual website sign-ups. This will help to keep ments, bank documents and cheques. your personal account free of rubbish. Be very wary of attachments and links in email – double and triple check before using them. Olwen Broadley Got a spam problem? A spam filter will soon cure that spam headache. Received a threatening or concerning email? Confirm it by another method to check it is genuine.
Desktop computers Variations in the elec- tricity supply can make desktop machines
THE SCULPTURE STUDIOS HOATHLY HILL West Hoathly, West Sussex RH19 4SJ www.sculpturestudios-hh.com
We provide a nurturing learning environment in which to express and explore your creativity by working with a range of mediums such as clay, plaster, wood, stone, and pencil or charcoal drawing and paint.
The Studios, founded in 1987 by Gertraud Goodwin, have three experienced tutors and many students of all ages and abilities.
Students are encouraged to explore their potential and perhaps discover a new direction, stability or purpose in life. The atmosphere in the studios is welcom- ing and relaxed, making no demands on performance. The journey is the desti- nation! Students either choose to follow their own creative ideas or are given the op- portunity to be guided using exercises to learn more about sculptural language. Sculptural Therapy and Drawing Classes are also available in the Studio.
Pottery Classes are run in an adjacent studio throughout the year for both adults and children.
Sessions for children are available in the Pottery Studio where we encourage them to explore their creativity through pottery Sessions on a one-to-one Waldorf inspired basis are available in the Sculpture Studios.
Anyone is welcome to join us for a free taster session to get a sense of our lively and open-hearted studio atmosphere. No previ- ous experience is necessary. For any questions or further information, please don't hesitate to call one of us.
Sculpture Tuition Maria Albiez Tel 01342 811386 Dorothea Kuth Tel 01342 810 378
Sculpture Therapy Maria Albiez Tel 01342 811386
Creative Approach to Child Development Dorothea Kuth Mob 07551 630368
Pottery Tuition Ingrid Vienings Mob 07780605065
Our new term started on January 13th 2020 but it’s not too late to join us!
Street & Food Fair, Saturday 18th July 2020 12 - 5pm Martyn’s Music Tips Our biennial Fair, held in the Church, Church- Do you love music? yard, Street & Village Hall. An Extravaganza of stalls, food, teas, entertainers, musicians then search and children’s activities. youtu.be/4LdhwwtebOw and watch and listen on headphones to Guest of honour, Rev, Peter Owen Jones with the Warbleton Brass Band, The Big Sing with Niki MaK, Hog Roast and much, much more. Joni Mitchell
Now takings bookings for stall pitches @ Both sides now—2000 £25 / stall. (Stalls & Pitches are now be- ing snapped up ) I also recommend her albums HEJIRA and BLUE
The event is organised by St. Margaret’s Church with free admission.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given….”
December 2019 Message from Alaric
Dear Praying Friends,
It is Christmas and here, at least, the snow is on the ground. Most of us, I suspect, have barely got used to it being 2019, let alone the fact that it is the end of the year as well. More than anything else, I hope that Christmas never loses the sense of excitement and wonder at the original life-changing (and indeed universe-changing) moment that it was all those years ago. Amidst the froth and hype, I pray that we had the time and peace to dwell on that per- sonal gift of Jesus.
Praise for the following:
Support and energy through a very busy time indeed. Last week I had a concert – my last with the horn group – Guruguru Horn En- semble. We do a concert once a year and this was it. I had been sneezing madly the day before but, praise the Lord, was OK on the day. This picture was one when playing a medley of Japanese cop show themes (I tell you, being here is a learning experience!). There were only enough sunglasses for the front row, though…
Prayer for the following:
Immanuel Church:
My sermon on 15th December was a welcome service for Christmas. We had a similar service last year but, like pastors all over the country, coming up with new variations on the same theme is a challenge.
Sadly, I am no longer able to meet Honma san – the elderly chap you have been praying for (pictured here after some cake-making efforts). He no longer comes to the Wednesday meeting and has stopped coming to my sermons. I think, sin aside, he felt too pressured to come. Pray that God will reveal Himself to him.
There has been no further news of a new pastor. It appears that a missionary being sent to Immanuel church is dependent on a new pastor welcoming him or her so eve- rything has ground to a halt.
I am involved in two counselling sessions: one with a single chap and another with a cou- ple where the wife wishes to leave the church. Please pray that I know what to say and listen well. There are some large personalities at church which can make for difficult cir- cumstances; pray for wisdom in how to support and advise well.
JLCC
We have 7 students leaving and 9 arriving at the end of Feb/beginning of March. Getting flats ready, cancelling utilities and so forth for the exiting students and getting prepared for a large arrival is a big task. Please pray for organisation, concentration and energy. My colleagues return on 18th February so will be here for the arrival but many things need planning before that. Standing in for my colleagues while they are on home assignment was fine for the first month and is now pushing me to the limit as many of the things they do (e.g. gauging capac- ity for the school, etc.) are falling on my shoulders. Pray for a mature attitude to the work I have to do, and to not fall into self-pity.
Hiring and training of new teachers is another thing that I have to plan. Please pray that I shall be able to be organised in the planning of this, starting from January. It is difficult with no colleagues to consult.
Continued...../
Alaric…./
Personal
Once again, I am heading home for Christmas. Recently, the weather, strikes, and last year, drones have attempted to keep me away! Pray for good health and rest for the Japa- nese Language and Culture Centre students while I am away.
Please continue to remember my family in your prayers, and in particular for good health for my mother. Also, thank you for praying for my friend, Mel. After some setbacks, some treatment that had been put on hold has managed to go ahead – please continue to pray that a) it will reduce the cancer cells and that b) Mel’s heart will be protected at this stress- ful time for both body and soul.
At present, I am aiming to have my farewell at the language centre on 27th March, attend the field conference the following week, and head home at some point in early April. By that time, I will have had 4 more sermons to do, have moved house once again, arranged and shipped all my belongings, had hundreds of farewells with people I shall probably never see again, etc. etc. – this in addition to a very full workload. This isn’t a moan (well, not much of one!) but I am going to need a LOT of supernatural support to finish well. PLEASE pray for that as well as joy in the certainty that, no matter what the load, our salvation is not threat- ened by how much we can or cannot do but it is steadfast and certain.
Friends, I thank you for all your kindness, prayers and support. Without all of that, this job wouldn’t even begin to be possible. I hope you had a very happy Christmas and have an incredibly blessed 2020!
Blessings Alaric SKYPE: alaricdr
ST MARGARET’S ADVENT APPEAL
St Margaret’s raised £180 in their Advent Appeal for water pumps which managed to provide six water pumps for a disaster area, so they have access to clear water.
Thank you to those who gave.
This Epiphany, give thanks for all the gifts given towards our Christ- mas Appeal this year and for the ongoing generosity of many church- es and individuals to the work of Christian Aid all year long. Pray that they would know the joy, comfort and glad- ness their gifts bring to communi- ties around the world.
Mother Nicol
HOW NOT TO SPEND CHRISTMAS ON THE HIGH SEAS
My daughter and her husband decided to spend Christmas on a cruise, as they did last year, but opted for a 7-day cruise instead of 10 days. UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL
OF TALENTED CHILDREN The holiday they chose was around the Medi- terranean which meant a flight to Nice and a Two Foundation Scholarships, covering 100% coach trip to Genoa to pick up the boat, they would then sail to Rome, Sicily, Majorca, Bar- of the cost of a child’s private school educa- celona and back to Genoa. Their flight de- tion for ten years, from the age of 8 to 18, parted from Gatwick at 8.20 am on Saturday 21st December so they decided to stay the are available to children currently in Year 3 at night in a hotel at Gatwick as they had to be state primary school. in the airport for 6 am. All went well.
They duly checked in for their flight on time Foundation Scholars join Cumnor House Sus- only to be told it had been delayed (this was a day after the heavy rain and floods so a sex in Danehill in Year 4 (aged 8) through to slight delay was understandable). However, Year 8 (aged 13) when they move on to one the flight was eventually delayed until 12.20 pm which meant that they would miss their of Cumnor’s sixteen independent senior coach from Nice to Genoa, a 2 ½ hour jour- school partners, subject to meeting a school’s ney, to board the ship at 6 pm Saturday evening. The company decided to put them entry criteria, where they remain until they on a flight to Rome where they would meet are 18. the ship the next day. This flight left Gatwick at 8 pm arriving at their hotel in Rome at 12.45 am. The hotel, supposedly 4 stars, The scholarships are means-tested and was definitely at the lower end of the star scale, in fact there were 4 policemen arrest- awarded to children who excel academically ing a suspect in one of the bedrooms. This and show potential in art, design technology, did not encourage a good night’s sleep. drama, music or sport. Two places are avail- At 7 am they took a taxi to board the ship, able for children starting in Year 4 in Septem- much to their relief this all went well. Their cabin was lovely and had a balcony. Only one ber 2020. Applications are open now un- problem, the weather was so bad that they til 30th April 2020. could not leave port so spent Sunday “docked” unable to go to Sicily, an Island they had wanted to visit. Luckily they were (The selection process involves completing an able to sail on the Monday even though the sea was a little rough. Son-in-law then went ‘Application & Means-Testing Financial Form’. down with seasickness and spent most of the A full report is requested from the child’s cur- rest of the holiday not feeling 100%. This meant that daughter had to roam the boat on rent school, before they are invited to attend her own. an ‘Experience Day’ at Cumnor; when they
To add insult to injury, my daughter, being a are interviewed by the Headmaster, work and vegetarian, hoped that Christmas Dinner play alongside their contemporaries, undergo would be acceptable; this was not the case. She would have welcomed some vegetables, some academic tests and are given the op- roast potatoes and perhaps a vegetarian bake portunity to show their talent in art, DT, dra- but, no, what she got was a plate of pasta which looked most unappetising and, unfortu- ma, music or sport, as appropriate.) nately, she found inedible.
Son-in-law did recover enough to enjoy the For further information, contact Cecilia last couple of days but, to say that they were Desmond, Registrar on 01825 792 006 or pleased to get home, is an understatement. They are revising their thoughts on taking a [email protected]. cruise again!
Do visit our website to find out more at: Marion Jones www.cumnor.co.uk.
February/ March Garden Notes of February if the ground is not waterlogged or frozen.
As 2020 begins, the mild, For sweet peas and edible peas, erect netting, wet conditions of November/ canes or whatever supports you usually use. December 2019 continue Sow Aquadulce Claudia broad beans, early with plenty of grey misty lettuce, radish, rocket, coriander, spinach car- days and no sight of snow. rots and beetroot under cloches or fleece. The heady scents of Daphnes, Sarcococcas, Winter sweet (Chimonanthus) and Lonicera Clean out water butts and greenhouse/ house fragrantissima are a delight and cyclamen gutters, clean greenhouse glass and tidy up / coum, snowdrops and early narcissi can be wash pots and seed trays you may want to found at ground level. use this season.
Where you have bulbs popping up in mixed Milder springs mean cutting grass before borders, ensure you have cleared dead March so make sure you have your mower or growth from herbaceous plants and pruned mowers (and other garden machinery) ser- back evergreen shrubs such as Euonymus and viced before the first cut but remember to Hebes which may have encroached upon start on a high setting. Spring lawn treat- them. Cut off old leaves of Hellebores that ments can begin in March but always read the produce flowers from ground level (e.g. niger manufacturers directions as to dosage and and orientalis) to expose the flowers. weather conditions.
Grasses like Stipa and Miscanthus you may Treat slippery paths with an anti-algae prod- have left for winter interest can also be cut uct (e.g. “Algoclear”, "MossOff “. NB Armilla- back now before the new growth emerges. tox is no longer available). With all the rain, untreated York stone paving can be somewhat Prune hybrid tea roses ( each stem to 6 inch- hazardous to walk on. es from it's base), floribunda roses (cut down to 12-15 inches and thin out congested or Prune winter flowering Jasmine, winter heath- crossing stems) and Buddlieas, cutting the ers, Viburnum bodnantense, Viburnum tinus, latter back hard leaving just 1-2 inches of last Mahonias, Cotoneasters and Pyracantha as year's growth and removing any old woody needed. stems. Happy gardening Whilst it’s too late to plant spring bulbs, Derek Shurvell snowdrops are one bulb best planted “ in the green“ i.e. with leaves intact just after they have finished flowering. Pot grown ones or a section of a large clump a friend may be hap- py to divide and give to you to guarantee the best results. You may also like to fill in gaps or add extra colour and interest with late spring and summer bulbs such as Alliums (there are many species), Galtonia, Gladioli, Nerines, Rhodohypoxis, Tritelia, Camassia and Crinum powelli.
Inspect stored tubers of Dahlias, Begonias and Canna Lilies for rots and then repot healthy ones early to mid March to start re- growth. Be careful not to overwater as they dislike soggy, cool compost.
Jobs before the beginning of March include pruning apples and pears, cutting down Au- tumn raspberries, tidying up strawberry beds if you didn’t tackle it in the autumn, mulching flower borders and vegetable gardens. Buy seed potatoes and chit them.
Sort out seeds, chucking out old packets ( es- pecially parsnip and lettuce which lose viabil- ity in 1-2 years ), checking they haven't been attacked by mould or mice. Plant out autumn sown broad beans and sweet peas at the end
West Hoathly Local History Archive
The Kindersleys at Plaw Hatch Hall
Phillipa Marshall is a granddaughter of Lord Kindersley. She lived at Plaw Hatch Hall between 1920 and 1945.
Joy Day has lived at the Bothy at Plaw Hatch since 1981 and she interviewed Phillipa in 1989. Phillipa also gave Joy a collection of photographs taken at Plaw Hatch around 1930 and these were displayed at the West Hoathly Local History Archive Exhibition in February 2018. As a present for her husband in 1989 Joy created a book containing the photographs and notes summarising the interview plus some additional information from other members of the family and estate staff.
Phillipa's memories provide a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of a wealthy British family before and during WW2. However Joy's notes are too long for a single article so it is intended to present them with minor editing as a series of articles over several issues of the Chronicle.
Part 4 Letters from members of staff
Mrs Patey a housemaid
I think what has always stuck out in my mind were the Christmases at Plaw. The hall with the huge log fire, the tree in the opposite corner, the large chest which I always called "The Mis- tletoe Bough Box" and the holly everywhere it could be put, always reminded me of a picture of Dickens. The Carol Singers, Lord Kindersley coming round Christmas morning with his Christmas boxes on a tray. We were told to take so much according to our rank and file. Lady Kindersley spent nearly all the day decorating the table for the family dinner at night. The trek to the kitchen after dinner to see old Martha, the chairing of Mr Parsons and soon after Christmas the estate party.
Next I think of Lady Kindersley's love of her children and all children. The Sunday School. As you know she always played the piano for the hymns. One of her favourites was "Onward Christian Soldiers" which she played with such gusto that the children couldn't keep up for want of breath! It always amused us when we heard her start that up. There was the Christ- mas tea for the Sunday School, an entertainer afterwards and each child had a present off the tree. There was also an outing in the summer, usually two bus loads to Littlehampton. We all went to that, took our lunch and sat in the buses and ate it. After that we went up the river to Arundel to a place called the Black Rabbit to a lovely tea and then home. If Lady Kindersley was tired she never showed it.
Then there was the war with soldiers billeted in the house. The blast from the flying bomb, a house full of people, including eleven children, twenty two ceilings down, and nobody hurt, even the trees were stripped of their leaves. After that we went to Repton for a few weeks. Mr Phil was reported missing. Lady Kindersley making the butter during the war. I think she was supposed to milk all the cows, with a coarse apron on bathing the dogs and doing a bit of cooking when we were without a cook. On one occasion she cooked some fish just for the two of them but she was no cook. I don't know how the fish turned out, but I do know what the aftermath was like because I cleaned it up, which included twenty one knives and the chopper! However, she was a wonderful lady and I often look back and am pleased I knew her. Mr Kinch a chauffeur
I can remember my first visit to Plaw as a youngster of 18 years, quite green to Gentlemen's service, and all that that entailed and as we motored down from London your father telling me not to take too much notice of the language that was used in the Servant's Hall. On arri- val, as a visiting chauffeur, I was allotted a bedroom in the Bothy and meals in the servant's hall where the language lived up to the quality that was expected of it. George Smith was first footman, and Henry Strickland second footman and Charles was the odd-job man. I real- ly didn't believe it was possible that so many bad words could be used in front of the female staff, who seemed quite oblivious to it. Had I been a chauffeur valet, of course, I would have been allotted a place at the table in what was known as the Pug's Parlour, where Parsons and Martha reigned supreme.
There was always tremendous ritual with the Head Servants; all except the head housemaid ate in the Pug's Parlour and the head housemaid was supposed to keep order in the Servant's Hall. Parsons and Martha always came into the servant's hall for the meat course on Sundays when all was quiet and well-behaved but they always left to have the second course in the Pug's Parlour and then all hell was let loose as soon as they had gone! I remember we used to get some stuff called Martha's Special Concoction of bread pudding mixed with custard and raisins every Sunday without fail.
In those days we used to shoot at Gravetye as well as Saint Hill and each Saturday as we all gathered in the stable yard awaiting the guns there was always great conjecture amongst us as to which hat Sir Robert, as he was then, would be wearing. Symonds, who was in charge of all the arrangements, always knew what sort of a mood he would be in by the hat he wore. If it was an old macintosh hat with the brim pulled down all round then everyone would keep very much as far away from him as possible as he was in a bad mood and Symonds usually took the brunt but it was quite alright if he wore his tweed hat with the brim turned up.
Parsons was supreme in the Pantry and the footmen and hallboy always called him "Sir". There were always many willing washers up at dinner time in the pantry. Especially promi- nent were the chauffeurs who drained all that was left in the wine glasses as they came out of the dining room and consequently got pretty merry by around midnight, playing shove- ha'penny or solo whist till the early hours.
One event was always a great success. That was the Staff Ball which was started off by Lady Kindersley having the first dance with Parsons and Sir Robert dancing with Martha after which the place was thrown open to the staff and their friends with all that that entailed. One mem- orable occasion, I think it was 1929, we had to clear the roads of snow down as far as the Goat and as far as Tyes Cross the other way to get the cars in for the Ball.
Harry W Sturges a gardener
Far from being a nuisance to me as you fear in your letter it will give me complete happiness to set down on paper some of memories of such a grand lady. For my own part I could write a volume but I will condense things as far as is humanly possible. One remembers her for her remarkable quickness to size up any situation, her remarkable loyalty to any project she be- came attached to, her quickness to show appreciation and I think above all her sharp sense of wit.
On one occasion when I was but a lad of eighteen I was present at one of her Unity of Service Guilds dances at Plaw Hatch Hall. It was a Ladies Choice waltz and her ladyship turned to me and said, "You'll do." and took me by the arm and away we started to waltz. "I don't know your name", she said. "Harry Sturges", I replied. "So, you're the young man who's courting Dorothy our kitchenmaid", was her ladyship's quick reply. "Yes", I replied meekly. "Oh well you will have to make do with me tonight because Dorothy is at Grosvenor Square", said her ladyship, all smiles! And it was in the Golden Autumn of her life when she set up residence at Coldharbour Manor and I became her Head Gardener that I remember with gratitude the great sense of satisfaction one felt in working with her. Her very presence inspired a confi- dence in the course of my duties there which if I may be forgiven for striking a personal chord I hadn't experienced before nor yet since. We were a large happy family and "My Lady" be- came a term of endearment to us all. It was gratifying to know how much her ladyship liked her flowers especially the rose "Peace". July came and we entered the Rose class at the West Hoathly British Legion Flower Show and as if it were yesterday, I remember her resting on my arm in the Show Tent and gazing with pride at her premier award winning bowl of "Peace" roses and turning away with a murmured "thank you".
At one time we had an assistant lady gardener who complained at having to use the indoor staff‘s lavatory. So after discussion her ladyship decided to have one built outside. It was duly completed and one day her ladyship opened the front door and called out "Sturgess we will have the opening ceremony of 'That Thing' this afternoon when you come back from lunch”. During the inspection Lady Kindersley turned and said to me, "You know this has cost money and I think I'll have the first sitting". Such was her ready wit, a source of joy to all who worked with her.
Always quick to appreciate, I remember asking her for the loan of the ladder to do some mi- nor repair to my cottage. "Certainly", she replied and then turning, “But don't fall off and break your neck, you're worth more to me than that ladder".
Mabel Lee the head housemaid
I had a West Hoathly char called Mrs Spittles who came in when I wanted help. She was called the Duchess of West Hoathly. Another dear old Irish woman called Mrs Griffin helped in the scullery. She used to keep the floors scrubbed and I had to make a noise when I got to the end of the passage as once she was piddling in the bucket when I went in! You can imag- ine what I had to say. She said "Oh Good God Missus", and I said, "Oh, Mrs Griffin you must not do that again!". I'm sure she did not. I did not tell anyone as she was rather old.
My Lady often got very tired and I think many times when she had committee meetings etc. she would rather have loved to stay at home. She gave a dance to all the nurses in East Grin- stead Hospital and their friends and it went on until six in the morning. She did not leave until four and then told them to carry on! They had a huge dinner with champagne before. She was about again at six seeing them off! She said, "Aren't you tired?", and I said none of us had been to bed yet and she only laughed and said, "Have a hot bath and you won't notice it!".
I remember one awful moment at one week-end when her setter dog Ruby wetted on the new stair carpet. All she minded was that Sir Robert should not know it was the dog. He nev- er noticed it but I saw it every time I went up, for ever after!
Sunday after lunch would always be a walk in the garden and to the farm and the woods and the "Pigs". The dogs often coming back plastered after rolling in pig muck and then she would give them all a bath. Nothing daunted her. As soon as breakfast was swallowed on a Sunday morning she was out to the room full of children waiting for her. She read a Bible story and two hymns. She would play the piano as if that were making the children sing. They all adored her, and I'm sure no Sunday School had a better attendance and it was quite a long walk. There was a yearly outing for the Sunday School children to the sea. Our staff bus would arrive at ten o'clock at the front door, the children all excited and chattering, and masses of food and drink were then packed in. We generally went to a place where there were fun fairs and roundabouts, etc. All had rides and everything was paid for by her lady- ship. I remember hearing her butler tell us that somebody had asked while eating his soup which of the fifty seven varieties it was and she was not amused as Martha always made stock pot soup!
I can see her laughing at me and patting her red spectacle case which she had hanging from her waist. She had that little habit to make sure they were there. As she used to say the only sport left to age is hunting for specs.
John Ralph
Around the Coastline in 80 Months – Part 2 by Rachel Whitlam
Day 3 of my epic journey started at Littlehampton. Apart from Daisy the Maltese Terrier, this was the first time I was walking on my own. I was glad of the opportunity to test if I had the motivation to step out with no one else for company. Growing up as an only child, I often find myself wistful for those rare moments of solitude that were so abundant before having a family of my own. In terms of public transport, the journey was easy. A train direct from Haywards Heath straight to Littlehampton. The station at Littlehampton sits alongside the River Adur and is a short walk across the pedestrian bridge to the Rope Walk that leads down to West Beach. Walkers could be forgiven for steering well clear of the beaches of the South Coast as being overdeveloped and too busy with day trippers and dog walkers but there is a sur- prisingly undiscovered expanse that lies between Littlehampton and Bognor Regis which re- tains much of its natural and sometimes bleak landscape. In large part because it is not easi- ly accessible to the typical car driver seeking a car park close to the beach and a nice café. Not that I have anything against a nice café and, over recent years, many very decent pit stops have sprung up, encouraging people to visit for their fine food and shiny new coffee machines that produce authentic Cappuccino and Chai Lattes. Hopefully those visitors will al- so look up from their phones to enjoy the scenery.
Passing the West Beach Café on my right, I followed the line of sand dunes and wild marram grass along this designated Nature Reserve. The dunes had been fenced off with some rather ugly metal fencing for their own protection, which I understood but am not convinced this is the best solution. Battling the swiftly incoming tide, the terrain quickly became quite rough in places. The beach leading up to Climping was almost impassable and involved some scram- bling up rocks, which was not ideal with such a short-legged dog. Eventually I was forced in- land to skirt a roughly ploughed field. The clouds had opened, and a deluge of rain made vi- sion difficult. At some point I must have taken a wrong turn and as the sun finally broke through the clouds, I emerged through a gate onto a neatly manicured lawn. The guests of the Ballifscourt Spa looked on in mild amusement from their position in the outdoor hot tub at the sight of this wet, bedraggled woman in a stripy raincoat with what had once been a white ball of fluff but now resembled a drowned rat. One of the men raised a champagne glass in my direction before I swiftly retreated back through the gate to retrace my steps.
The welcome sight of the imposing giant circus tent that is Butlin’s at Bognor rose like a mi- rage in the distance and it wasn’t long before I reached the long promenade. The previous days storms and high winds had thrown stones from the seabed to scatter across the espla- nade. This didn’t deter day trippers, who were out in their droves to enjoy the brief glimpse of sun. On reaching Bognor Pier, I cut through the back streets to the station. The 20-minute train journey back to Littlehampton passed quickly and I considered how this stretch had just taken me almost four hours to walk. Although only 8.5 miles, it had not been the most straight forward walk. The same week, I returned to Bognor, this time with my husband Rob who joined me for coffee at a beachside bar. I left him to take photos and do some beach combing and set off with Daisy the dog towards the coastal village of Aldwick. Very quickly, I hit private estates, where access to the sea is strongly discouraged by large notices. I realised quite early on in my quest to walk the coast, that in order to truly follow the coast, it is necessary to ignore many of the signs that state ‘No access to the sea’. On the one hand, I don’t want to get cut off by tide or damage natural surroundings, but it seems much of this signage is a deterrent to the general ‘riffraff’, discouraging them to enter these large gated communities with their desirable seaside abodes. Sadly, from my observation, many of these palatial seaside mansions are not family homes, rather they are holiday homes, left empty for most of the year. Passing through these gated developments, many of these newly renovated houses remain unlit and the surround- ing streets deserted. It’s difficult not to reflect upon the contrast of this against the stretch of coast from Brighton, where battered tents and temporary cardboard shelters line the coast. Taking one of the many ‘forbidden’ twittens that lead back to the sea, I managed to dodge the incoming tide on a small strip of sand that ran adjacent to the back gardens of these gat- ed mansions. This stretch of beach was deserted apart from one lone dog walker. Most of the properties had some kind of beach hut at the end of their garden and some had erected high closed gap fencing. This took me by surprise as I could find little logic in buying a property by the sea if you couldn’t admire the view. I wondered what kind of people lived there. It was along this stretch that I spied the poshest beach hut I have ever seen in my life. In some countries, it would have been considered a good size family home. I was so in awe of its grandeur that I took a picture.
Soon after I came across a tranquil little cove. I was unsure if it was man-made but I marvelled at what a perfect place to swim or take out a paddle-board or canoe it would be. Deciding against the swimming option as it was, after all December and I had no change of clothing, I continued to Pagham. The beach approaching Pagham was dotted with ramshackle beach shacks. These looked lived in and well used but I wondered how long it would be before they were either taken by the sea or replaced by something grander.
Rob met me along the beach at Pagham, where he had driven around the coast to park the car next to an amusement arcade. A large-scale model of Elvis stood incongruously outside. The retro diner opposite didn’t allow dogs inside so instead we opted to eat chips sitting outside the Fish and Chip shop.
I returned to Pagham the following Wednesday with my friend and ex-work col- league, Sunita. She had a day off work and was keen to join me in a stretch of coastal walking but requested to do no more than about 5 miles as she was not as fit as she once was. This walk posed some logistical difficulty as we needed to walk several miles around Pagham Harbour. Whilst it as possible to catch a train to Chichester, the buses to Pagham and Selsey Bill were hard to coordinate and added another hour on to the journey each way. Against my inclination, we re- sorted to using two cars.
On leaving Pagham, we headed down a twitten, through a small estate of bungalows and con- verted railway carriages before passing a large static caravan development on our right. Hug- ging the contours of Pagham Harbour to our left, we soon left behind the built-up surroundings. We trod the wilder path, avoiding the mud flats, winding our way around the nooks and crannies of the horseshoe inlet to the sound of birdsong. The distance seemed much longer than the stat- ed 5 miles and we were grateful to reach the Dickensian village of Siddlesham Quay. The allure of The Crab & Lobster was too much and here we ate a hearty crab sandwich with half a lager. Still damp, we reluctantly left the crackling fire and warmth of the bar area to continue our walk around the nature reserve.
On reaching the Selsey side of the Harbour, we could quite clearly see the point from where we had started our walk earlier that morning. If we had been brave, we could have probably swum it in 5 minutes rather than the many hours it had taken us but then we would have missed so much of this beautiful harbour and its many natural wonders. From this point we still had to reach the car parked at Selsey Bill and the light was fading fast despite it being only 3.30pm. On asking a farmer, he looked aghast and said that Selsey Bill was miles away. Against my better judgement, his certainty knocked my confidence but on double checking the OS map, I assured my fellow walking companion that this wasn’t the case. It was perhaps just over a mile. Sunita is a very practical person but also a dedicated Christian and had entered the walk with great en- thusiasm and excitement. Despite her exhaustion, her faith and trust were infectious and exact- ly what was needed on this walk.
We descended from the sand dunes. walking along the sea wall. By now the wind and rain were battering us viciously and the lights of a boat a few miles out to sea bobbed precariously on the choppy waves. The spray of the sea showered us in saltwater. Much to our amazement, we were unable to locate the car, having no recollection of exactly where we had parked. It seemed im- possible not to be able to find a car that had been parked on the coast. Just as hope was run- ning out, the outline of my little black Golf came into view. Phew!
Things learned – Have faith but always make an accurate note of where the car is left!
IN MEMORIAM
JANET STYLES
Maurice asked me to provide a brief eulogy and tribute to his wife Janet who was born June 1935 and died November 2019
Janet was born in Wilmslow in Cheshire and thereafter moved to Staffordshire where her par- ents ran a pub and kept a smallholding. In 1939, Janet’s parents separated and her mother and Janet moved to the East Grinstead area. They lived in a number of places in the area including Ashurst Wood, Forest Row and finally East Grinstead where after a few years, Janet’s mother remarried.
Janet met Maurice at a dance in the old Whitehall and after a courtship lasting 18 months, they were married at St. Margaret’s Church, West Hoathly in November 1957. A year later Karen was born followed 2 years later by David.
Maurice and Janet moved to Glenham Place in Sharpthorne in 1959 and for the next 60 years they lived there happily; this making quite a change for Janet who had lived in so many differ- ent places in her childhood.
Janet had a variety of jobs ranging from being a children’s nanny to being an office clerk and telephonist at Radio Rentals and finally at Hellermans.
Once happily settled in Sharpthorne, Janet soon entered into the social life of the Village. She joined Sharpthorne WI which met in the evenings – because she was working - but later she transferred to West Hoathly WI as they met in the daytime. During this time, she developed a wide range of interests from amateur dramatics, art classes, tai-chi and bingo at the British Legion. These pastimes made up for Maurice’s great love of bowls. Janet did try her hand at bowls briefly but she soon realised that this was not the game for her.
Janet was forthright in her opinions and did not suffer fools gladly but beneath that she was a devoted mother bringing up Karen and David and also looking after Maurice. The family was very close and they were particularly friendly with the family of Maurice’s sister, Edie Luxford and her husband Doug and other branches of the Luxford family.
Sadly, in recent years, Janet suffered from declining health. After a short stay of less than two weeks at Truscott Manor Nursing Home, she passed away on 21st November surrounded by her family. Her passing was just two weeks after their 62nd wedding anniversary.
Our condolences go to Maurice, Karen, David their families at this sad time.
Eulogy of Donald Walter Jones
Donald Walter Jones – generally known as Don. But what did you know him as? He seemed to have several identities. There was Don from the club, Don the Fish, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, friend, a rock, a constant and Don the Legend, to name a few. No matter what you knew him as, what you got from him was the same – kindness, friendship, love and loyalty. Although fiercely independent, verging on stubborn, his intentions always came from a good place. From asking what he wanted for his dinner, through to asking what final ar- rangements he would like, his answer was ‘Whatever is easiest’.
Born on the 20th Jan 1939, the second child to Charles and Edith. A further 8 siblings made up the Jones family, and for Jenny, Fred, Jill, Bob, Pete, Andy, Paul, and Karol, Don was the old- est brother and the ‘go to’ person for the incredibly tight-knit family. Don took the role of eld- est brother very seriously, teaching the younger children to whittle and sharpen arrows. The boys were never without his home-made catapults that were used to shoot cans lined up on the trees that had been felled waiting to be delivered as part of the family business. A lifelong promise was to always be there for them.
Don always had a love for football. Growing up he was captain of the school team, and he also played three times a week for different local teams. He was spotted and was asked to train with Brighton. When he was selected to play his first game for Brighton Reserves, the match clashed with the West Hoathly Cup Match final. Being very loyal, he wouldn’t let his local team mates down and he turned down the Brighton game to play for his local team. Sadly, they lost on that occasion. That also seemed to be the end of his potential professional career. He was a dedicated Arsenal fan – very vocal when they were winning – not quite so vocal at other times. Although football was important, he was keen on all sports and he was an accom- plished darts player once winning a much-coveted tea-set! He also loved boxing and had a punch bag and sets of gloves and as children would often spar with his brother Fred.
Don left school at the age of 14 and went to work on a local farm. He had grand plans to contin- ue his farming career outside of the UK and emigrate to New Zealand. Don was called up for Na- tional Service in the late 50’s, something he wasn’t that keen on and was released with flat feet and blisters after finishing the 6 weeks basic training in Wales. He became a milkman for a short time after National Service often offering to do other rounds as well if they were short of staff. Dedicated to hard work and helping others was in his makeup.
With glowing references from the farm and the milk company, the plans to move to New Zealand were well under way. That was until he went to a dance at Plaw Hatch in 1957 and met 15-year- old Nora, who was working locally as a Nanny. The New Zealand plans changed, and Don settled working for the family business and courting Nora. 4 years later, on the 4th November 1961, they became husband and wife at Danehill Church. They recently marked 21,170 days of married life together celebrating their 58th anniversary, living in East Grinstead from 1964 to 1980 before moving Forest Row. In 1965 Don left the family business to become ‘Don the Fish’ and owners of the ‘Ashdown Fisheries’ fish and chip shop in Forest Row for 23 years until 1988.
Although Don was cooking fish most of the week, he remained a keen fisherman and would par- take in regular angling parties and fishing expeditions from Newhaven on Sundays. Don once lost a set false teeth over-side whilst helping someone land a large fish, but he was never once sea-sick no matter how rough the weather.
In September 1974 Nora and Don became mum and dad with the arrival of Clare. Henry and Connie Luff took on the responsibility of becoming Clare’s God Parents and played a pivotal role looking after her on Friday nights and Saturdays so Nora could continue working with Don at the fish shop. Henry would come to the shop every day with his newspaper and together they would check stocks and shares and pick out the days winning horses. On Mondays when the shop was closed the families would regularly attend horse race meetings. It was after taking on a bet where all the horses came in at great odds, that Don hired two coaches with his winnings and took the whole family out to Hastings as a thank you for their help harvesting potatoes needed for the fish shop.
Don became a very proud granddad when Amelia was born in 2008 and again when Lucy came along in December 2010. In August 2010 he walked Clare down the aisle to be married. Don al- ways referred to Clare, Amelia and Lucy as ‘The Girls’.
Don and Nora spent some time at Hosted Keynes club when Brother Fred moved to the Cat pub. They then opened the doors to the Sharpthorne club in 1993. A welcome to all and everyone. A safe place for local children and weekly visits from residents at Duckyls Farm. The plan was to work there for 5 years. 26 years later, and only when becoming unable to continue due to ill health, did that change. The club is now in the safe hands of younger brother Paul. The club has been a hub for family and friends to gather and the place for many parties, celebrations and weekly gatherings.
Don was a lover of animals throughout his life. From taking his whippet stuffed down his jacket whilst riding his motorbike, to keeping ferrets, to swapping his younger sister Karol’s doll for Gin- ny the Jack Russell. There were many more pet dogs over the years, and horses who were joined by Ada the Jersey cow. Don regularly visited David and Fiona Kemp at Hammingden Farm where he spent hours helping with the animals which included sheep race training for charity events they supported. To most recently holding out currants for the blackbirds to come and feed from his hand at his back door in the last few weeks of his life. Some would say Don was a man of few words, but actions speak louder than words and he could often be seen behind the bar wearing any number of silly hats and aprons.
We’ve scratched the surface of a man that has done so much with and for so many. No matter how you knew him, Donald Walter Jones, Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, friend, Don the Fish, Don the Club or just The Legend – we will miss you. Rest in peace.
Nora and Clare wish to thank everyone who have supported them through the last few, difficult months.
CHURCH SERVICES AT ST. MARGARET’S, WEST HOATHLY AND ALL SAINTS, HIGHBROOK March
1st First Sunday of Lent 8 am Holy Communion (BCP) St Margaret’s 10 am All Age Eucharist, St Margaret’s 4 pm Evensong (BCP), All Saints
4th Wednesday—Ember Day 9.30 am Holy Communion, St Margaret’s
8th Second Sunday of Lent 9 am Holy Communion (BCP), All Saints 10 am Eucharist, St Margaret’s 4 pm Evening Prayer (BCP), St Margaret’s
11th Wednesday 9.30 am Holy Communion, St Margaret’s February 15th Third Sunday of Lent 2nd Candlemas 9 am Matins (BCP), All Saints 8 am Holy Communion (BCP), St Margaret’s 10 am Eucharist, St Margaret’s
10 am All Age Eucharist, St Margaret’s th 4 pm Evensong (BCP), All Saints 18 Wednesday—St Cyril 9.30 am Holy Communion, St Margaret’s 5th Wednesday—St Agatha 7 pm Praise Aloud! St Margaret’s
9.30 am Holy Communion, St Margaret’s st 21 Saturday 9th Third Sunday before Lent 2 pm Posy Making at St Margaret’s
(Septuagesima) nd 9 am Holy Communion (BCP) All Saints 22 Fourth Sunday of Lent 10 am Eucharist, St Margaret’s Mothering Sunday 4 pm Evening Prayer (BCP) St Margaret’s 9 am Holy Communion (BCP) All Saints 10 am Eucharist, St Margaret’s with distribution 16th Second Sunday before Lent of posies (Sexagesima) th 9 am Matins (BCP), All Saints 25 Wednesday—The Annunciation 10 am Eucharist, St Margaret’s 9.30 am Holy Communion, St Margaret’s
23rd Sunday Next before Lent 29th Fifth Sunday of Lent (Quinquagesima) 10 am Joint Benefice Eucharist, St Margaret’s 9 am Holy Communion (BCP), All Saints 10 am Eucharist, St Margaret’s
26th Ash Wednesday 9.30 am Holy Communion, St Margaret’s with Ashing 7.00 pm Choral Evensong at All Saints
THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
February March
Wednesday, 5th Sunday, 1st 2 pm West Hoathly WI Meeting WH Village PRIEST HOUSE OPENS Hall. A talk on the Loiyangalani Trust by Frieda Boyd Monday, 2nd 7.30 pm Annual Parish Assembly, WH Village Hall Friday, 7th 7 pm Emmaus, Fashion Night Wednesday, 4th 7.30 pm Quiz at WH Bowls Club 2 pm WHWI, WH Village Hall, “Anne of Cleeves” a talk by Helen Poole th Monday, 10 th 7.30 pm Sharpthorne WI Meeting Friday, 6 WH Village Hall 7 pm Emmaus, “Dodge Ball” “Queen Victoria’s Knickers” Monday, 9th a talk with Douglas Eaton 7.30 pm Sharpthorne WI Meeting, WH Village Hall
Tuesday, 11th “The Health Benefits of Aloe Vera” with 7.30 pm WHRBL Meeting, Sharpthorne Club Louise Camby
th Monday, 17th Tuesday, 10 7.30 pm WHRBL Meeting, Sharpthorne Club SCHOOL HALF TERM STARTS
th Wednesday, 19th Friday, 13 7.45 pm WH Local History Group “I do Like 7 pm Emmaus –Night Walk, meet at WH Village to be Beside the Seaside”, a talk by Hall
Ian Gledhill th Monday, 16 Saturday, 22nd & Sunday 23rd CHRONICLE DEADLINE
10 am West Hoathly Local History Group th to 5 pm Archive Exhibition in WH Village Wednesday, 18 Hall 7.45 pm History Group Meeting at Sharpthorne Hall
th Sunday, 23td Friday, 20 10 am Parish Walk with Tony Johns 7 pm Emmaus Club, Quiz Meet at Finche Field “What Happens Next?”
st Monday, 24th Saturday, 21 8 pm WH PC Meeting at WH Village Hall 2 pm Posy Making for Mother’s SCHOOL BACK Day at St Margaret’s Church th Tuesday, 25 nd 5.30 pm Pancake Party Sunday, 22 at Sharpthorne Hall MOTHERS DAY.
th Friday, 28th Friday, 27 10 –12 Churchyard Working Party 10-12 Churchard Working Party at St Margaret’s St Margaret’s Chuch 7 pm Emmaus Club—Team 7 pm Emmaus—Pancakes & Games Games CHRONICLE AVAILABLE
th Saturday, 29th Sunday, 29 10 am Parish Walk with Jeff Ashton
Monday, 30sth 8 pm WHPC Meeting at WH Village Hall
Clubs and Organisations in the Villages The Churches and Services St. Margaret's, West Hoathly, and Allotments ...... Helen Schofield ...... 811301 Beavers ...... Anita Trower ...... 07703 200609 All Saints, Highbrook ...... email: [email protected] www.westhoathly.org.uk Bellringers ...... Rachel Edwards ...... 810210 www.highbrook.info Book Club ...... Rita des Forges ...... 810224 Priest In Charge: Bowls Club ...... Glyn Lyford ...... 810539 Mthr. Nicol Kinrade,The Vicarage, North Lane, West Hoathly, British Legion ...... Laurie Gausden ...... 810751 RH19 4QF. Tel: 01342 810183 Email: [email protected] Brownies ...... Catherine Goodridge ...... 810937 (Vicarage is just up the track opposite the school) Deidre Smith ...... 811258 Church Officers at St. Margaret’s Costcutter ...... Carol Johnson ...... 810234 Churchwardens: Erica Ansell Tel. 01342 811215 Cricket Club -West Hoathly .. David Scott ...... 811845 Treasurer: Tina Allen Tel. 01342 810302 Richard Ward...... 810394 Child Protection: Lindsay & Derek Cercle Français ...... Bob Darvill ...... 810443 Shurvell Tel: 01342 810780 Family Support Work (FSW) .. Ingrid Sethi ...... 810085 Church Officers at All Saints Football Club ...... Kirk Howick ...... 410282 Churchwardens: Tony Osborn, Tel: 01444 892191 Friends of the Priest House ..... Tricia Hughes ...... 810158 Adam Hackett Tel: 01342 811920 Friends of WH Churchyard ..... Paul Brown ...... 811866 Treasurer: Simon Witheridge Tel: 01342 811604 Good Companions ...... Helen Scott ..... 811845 or 07887 928442 Child Protection: Despina Edge Tel: 01444 891307 Gravetye Manor ...... Andrew Thomason ...... 810567 Holiday Club ...... Cat Bellamy ...... 07809 211212 Main Services at both of these churches are listed on the Karate Group ...... Dorian Fretwell ...... 811044 inner back pages. Local History Group ...... Tony Hunt ...... 810534 Roman Catholic Chapel of St. Dunstan’s Local History Archives ...... John Ralph ...... 810458 www.worthabbeyparish.co.uk Parish Council Clerk ...... Helen Schofield ...... 811301 Parish Priest: Father Paul Fleetwood Tel: 01342 710313 Parish Council Chairman ...... Anne Halligey ...... 811269 Sunday Mass is normally at 11.30 am at St Dunstan’s Pericles ...... Paulamaria Blaxland-de-Lange ... 810133 Pre-school (Village Hall) ...... Sophie Abbott ...... 07854 128616 Priest House Curator ...... Anthony Smith...... 810479 Pubs - . The Cat Inn ...... Andrew Russell ...... 810369 Community Transport The Fox ...... Tim & Claire...... 810644 If you would like a lift to a local hospital or doctor/ School...... Tina Allen ...... 810302 dentist, please contact:- 1st WH Scout Group ...... Tony Harvey ...... 07903 977770 (incl. Cubs) ...... email: [email protected] Monday Maureen Muddel 01444 892791 Soundshack ...... Rachel Whitlam ...... 07508 723328 Thursday Catherine Goodridge 810937 Table Tennis Club ...... Colin Gibbs ...... 07941 921326 Any Day: Bill Merry 810771 Tennis Club ...... Nikki Evans ...... 811738 Christine Graystone 810603 Tai Chi...... Patricia Smith ...... 01444 457488 Michelle Jaques 810087 Tootsie Time ...... Liz Shannon ...... 811400 Chris Jaques 810087 Village Hall Bookings:- - West Hoathly...... Helen Schofield ...... 811301 Andrew Chapman 01444 892266 - Sharpthorne ...... Lindsay Shurvell ...... 810780 Occasionally: Monica Moore 01444 892554 - Highbrook ...... Maureen Muddel ...... 01444 892791 Kathy Brown 811866 W.I. - Sharpthorne ...... Caroline Rogers ...... 810470 Emergency: Simon Hasan 07917 733230 - West Hoathly...... Pat Oprey ...... 810012 Taxi (Working Man) WH Rainbows Guides ...... Brenda Farley ...... 811020 More volunteers required. Youth Groups - Emmaus ...... Lindsay Shurvell ...... 810780
Please notify any changes to Marion Jones
Police Community Support Officer Post Office Opening Times
Monday 7 am to 5.30 pm We no longer have a PCSO covering our area. If you Tuesday 7 am to 5.00 pm require assistance please contact Haywards Heath Wednesday to Saturday 7.30 am to 5.30 pm Police Station, Telephone 01273 404937 as they cover Sunday 8.00 am to 3.00 pm Lindfield, Ardingly & High Weald (which is us)
The above times are dependent upon staff availability. The last post Monday to Friday SMALL ADS is 5pm; Saturday the last post is 9.30am Anything to sell? Why not put it in the Small Ads column. Cost £1 per issue for 2 lines. Costcutters Opening Times Contact Sue Billings on 01342 810049. Monday—Saturday 7 am - 7 pm Sunday 8 am—4 pm East Grinstead Recycling Centre Opening Hours School Playground Hire for Parking Summer—9 am to 6 pm (Subject to Availability) Winter—9 am to 4 pm Contact WH School on 01342 810302 Closed Tuesday & Wednesday